In our latest Inc. article, “Art Is Not Always Comfortable,” ArtVersion’s creative director explores how the most meaningful creative work often lives beyond visibility and recognition. The story revisits the life and legacy of Candice B. Groot, the late collector, artist, and founder of the Virginia A. Groot Foundation, whose influence continues to shape generations of sculptors and ceramicists.
“Real impact doesn’t always come from what we make. Sometimes it comes from what we make possible.” —Goran Paun
The piece traces how Groot’s fearless approach to art (favoring authenticity over approval) helped redefine what it means to nurture creativity. Candice supported artists who took risks, challenged conventions, and used their work to explore emotion, vulnerability, and truth. Through that lens, he connects her story to the often unseen layers of design: the systems, frameworks, and opportunities that make creative expression possible.
Drawing from ArtVersion’s work with the Virginia A. Groot Foundation, the feature dives into the process of reimagining the brand’s digital presence and storytelling. Beyond visual identity, the project became an act of preservation, translating Groot’s humanistic values into a modern, accessible form while keeping her legacy intact.
As the article concludes, he reflects on what makes design endure: “The most powerful work we do is sometimes invisible. It’s the system we build that supports someone else. It’s the platform that outlives the launch.”
The feature continues ArtVersion’s ongoing conversation about purpose-driven creativity and the enduring relationship between art, empathy, and design.
Read the full article: Art Is Not Always Comfortable